08-R079

2008 -- H 7991

Enacted 02/27/08

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR "THE YEAR OF THE RAT"

Introduced By: Representatives Lewiss, Rice, Slater, Williams, and Lima

Date Introduced: February 27, 2008

     WHEREAS, The date of the Chinese New Year celebration is traditionally fixed as the

second new moon after the winter solstice, in accordance with the Chinese lunar calendar. The

longest and most important celebrations in the calendar, this year’s New Year begins on February

7, 2008 and marks the start of the “Year of the Rat”; and

     WHEREAS, Legend has it that Buddha called all the animals to him on the Chinese New

Year. Only twelve came, so he chose to name a year for each of the twelve. These names

provided a ready reference because each is used only once in 12 years; and

     WHEREAS, Buddha believed that people would have some of the personality traits of

the animal that represented their birth year. People born in the year of the Rat tend to be leaders,

pioneers and conquerors; and

     WHEREAS, No one is certain how far back New Year celebrations go in Chinese

history. The celebration’s religious background involves clearing away the bad luck of the old

year and beginning a new one; and

     WHEREAS, It was also believed that various “god-like” spirits had to report on the past

year to the ruler of heaven, the Jade Emperor. Many Chinese still open their celebrations by

burning a paper image of Tsao Wang, the hearth god, thus sending him on his way one week

before the new year; and

     WHEREAS, Usually on the day before New Year’s Eve, men pay ceremonial visits to

friends and associates, wishing them luck with the traditional greeting kung-hsi-fa-ts’ai, meaning

“Happy greetings and may you gather wealth”; and

     WHEREAS, Traditionally, the festivities last 15 days until the Lantern Festival, a time

for parades of elaborate paper lanterns and street dances by dragons or lions. New Year is also a

time for giving alms to the poor and for eating special foods that are considered lucky; and

     WHEREAS, On the last day of the old year, families make final preparations for their

New Year’s Eve feast, which is the highlight of the celebration. Before the meal, all the doors in

the home are sealed with strips of paper to prevent the entrance of evil, and no one may enter or

leave until these are removed shortly before dawn. After the meal, gifts are exchanged and, at

midnight, solemn greetings and family ceremonies take place; now, therefore, be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes the celebration of the Chinese New Year—“The Year

of the Rat”. We furthermore wish to extend our deepest respect and appreciation to the Rhode

Island Chinese community for all that is has contributed to the rich diversity of Rhode Island

culture. The closeness of the traditional Chinese family, its dynamic work ethic, and its

innumerable endowments to literature and the performing arts inspire us all; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Association of Chinese

Americans.

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LC01568

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